Snowstorms and Furnaces

March 17, 2016

We haven’t completely made it through winter in Zelienople just yet. Mother Nature may have a few nice days, but she’s always prepared to remind us that she’s in charge. When she does, you may not have to unexpectedly call us for for furnace service if you keep these simple things in mind.

Both conventional furnaces and high-efficiency furnaces send waste gases outdoors. The difference with high-efficiency furnaces is that they also transfer in fresh air from outside the home. The ability for air to move freely is critical to proper and safe operation of a high-efficiency unit.

High efficiency intake and exhaust pipes could exit through the side of your home or vertically through the roof. Heavy snowfall could bury your intake and exhaust pipes in the snow, inhibiting the free flow of air needed to work your high-efficiency furnace (High efficiency furnaces are developed to automatically shut off should a blockage happen). To prevent that from occurring during a heavy snowfall, it’s important to:

  • [Keep|Ensure you have|Maintain]26] a 3-foot/1-meter clearance around your intake and exhaust pipes to help prevent this from happening.
  • Inspect the area regularly to be sure that it stays clear.

While the weather in Zelienople will most likely go up and down over the last few days of cold weather, you can’t count out the chance of weather that can change the performance of your furnace. At Knoechel Heating Company in Zelienople, we are always available to check any areas around your home or answer any of your questions, whether they’re related to furnace service or buying a new system. Keeping you and your family safe and comfortable is our top priority. Give us a call at 724-425-5852 to find out more information.